Major streets on Westside to close for Obama visit Wednesday

The rush-hour commute on Los Angeles' Westside could be worse than normal Wednesday because major streets will be closed for a visit by President Obama.

The president will be attending a gala at the USC Shoah Foundation, according to the organization's website. Institute founder and USC trustee Steven Spielberg will present Obama with the group's highest award for his global efforts to protect human rights.

Los Angeles police Tuesday evening were advising motorists to avoid areas in and around Century City and Bel-Air because of possible congestion and travel delays caused by major street closures.

Areas will be shut down around Pico Boulevard between Motor Avenue and Beverly Glen Road from 4 to 6 p.m. The area around Santa Monica Boulevard and Beverly Glen Road will also be closed during that time, the LAPD said.

From 6 to 8 p.m., the area around Sunset Boulevard and and Beverly Glen will be shut down, and from 6 to 11 p.m., the area around Avenue of the Stars and Santa Monica Boulevard will be closed.

Metro bus routes including the 4, 16, 316, 704, 20 and 720 lines will also be affected by the closures.